The Thrill of 'Real' Courts

Immigration attorneys are rarely in 'real' courts.  We can spend significant amounts of time in Immigration Court or even appellate court for some of us, and certainly at our local USCIS office for client interviews.  But appearances in district or circuit courts can easily become few and far between. 

This morning I attended a name change hearing for a client.  Name changes are simple and routine, for the most part.  Even still, I find myself getting up earlier than usual, wearing a nice suit, and experiencing more butterflies than usual when I sign up for a 'regular' legal case, like a client's divorce or traffic ticket.  I rarely get the opportunity, but when I do, it's worth it.  I have no intentions of marketing myself as a 'name change specialist' or domestic relations attorney, but it is certainly nice to be able to add that extra service to my resume and be able to offer it to my clients, should they ask.

And it is especially nice to step out of my comfort zone every now and then - even if it is just for a name change.